Download Locke Discussion Questions

Locke Discussion Questions
Zach Maserang, Emery Hailey, Jason Marks
List and explain the qualities or characteristics in
Locke’s “State of Nature.”
Every man is bound only to the rules of Nature, completely independent of others,
and equal.
If the State of Nature is as wonderful as Locke
describes, why do people leave it form a political
society?
The constant threat of others invading one’s personal freedom and the
structure of society is appealing.
The paradox of choice
A contract is defined as an exchange of promises
between two parties. Apply this definition to the
social contract theory laid out in Locke’s essay.
Laws based on individual beliefs in State of Nature
Contract: Society/Government
Man gives up personal freedoms for greater good
Explain the condition under which government can
be dissolved.
If the government makes unjust laws without authority, it is the people's’ natural
right to resist the government.
Locke
Declaration of Independence
Natural Rights
“Life, liberty, and property”
“Life, liberty, and the pursuit of happiness”
Purpose of Government
“to preserve himself, his liberty, and his
property”
“to secure these rights”
Equality
“men being by nature, all free, equal, and
independent”
“all men are created equal”
Consent of Governed
“For when any number of men have, by the
consent of every individual, made a
community, with the power to act as one
body, which is only by the will and
determination of the majority.”
“Governments are instituted among men,
deriving their just powers from the consent
of the governed.”
Limited Government
“Absolute arbitrary power, or governing
without settled laws, can neither of them
consist with the ends of society and
government
“The history of the present King of Great
Britain is a history of repeated injuries and
usurpations.”
Right to Revolt
“The people shall be the judge . . .
Oppression raises ferments and makes
men struggle to cast off an uneasy and
tyrannical yoke”
“...when a long train of abuses and
usurpations evinces a design to reduce
them under absolute despotism, it is their
right to throw off such a government.”